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Rebranding: Ugly Duckling to Swan

Branding, emotional connections, passion, storytelling 2

Everyone has probably read the childhood book, The Ugly Duckling, and remembers the transformation of the maligned duckling into a beautiful swan. This post is a true story about the transformation of a company through a name change and rebranding over the 10 year period I served as the Creative Director. Ugly Duckling Company History The company, Ugly Duckling Car Sales, first got it’s name early on as a rental car company in the Tucson and Phoenix areas. The name was originally Ugly Duckling Rental Cars and reflected a second rate level of affordable rental cars, as well as the […]

How The Hunger Games might be better than your brand!

Branding, emotional connections, passion, storytelling 4

Image courtesy of Photobucket Disclaimer: No worries if you haven’t seen the movie. I don’t give away the story or outcome in this post! I saw the movie The Hunger Games last week. I had not read the books, and was only vaguely aware of the storyline due to the promotions on talk shows. I must say, the premise of the story didn’t seem appealing to me, so this movie was not on my “must see” list. As a matter of fact, I saw this movie completely by default, because it fit into my schedule. So, suffice it to […]

Inside the head of a Creative!

Enter at your own risk. Only read this post if you want to be confused even more by what goes on inside the head of a creative or innovator. This is about all creative professions: fine artists, commercial artists, innovators, paid or unpaid. Doesn’t matter the generation or era; what goes on in the head of a creative is perplexing even to us. Most creatives don’t even know what makes them tick (or create). Many are compelled by reasons unknown. Some are driven to create at the exclusion of everything else. Creative people are just wired differently. Or as I’ve heard […]

Branding, Bacon & Your Business!

Branding, emotional connections, passion, storytelling 27

I must confess. Bacon truly is my first love. I love bacon so much that my boyfriend gave me the gift of Zingerman’s monthly bacon club for Christmas. I’ve been enjoying a new package of bacon delivered to my doorstep every month since, and I’m rather sad to say I only have one month left. Each month the bacon arrives along with an explanation of the type of bacon I’ve received, the curing process and the story behind it. I thought that was kind of ridiculous, a story about bacon…seriously??? I mean, who cares about the story.